Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-05-09

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Greek fiscal deficit to fall at 3.0 pct of GDP, Commission report

[02] Top Iranian nuclear negotiator Larijani in Athens on Tuesday

[03] Valinakis at UN Security Council meeting on Darfur peace deal

[04] Greece paves the way for region's countries towards EU, PM says

[05] Europe Regions Institute organizing 'Cafe d' Europe'

[06] UN sustainable development committee to convene in New York

[07] PM confers with interior minister on Constitutional revision

[08] Ruling party MPs to discuss revision of Constitution on Thursday

[09] Gov't on PASOK's Moslem candidate in local elections

[10] PASOK on its Moslem candidate in local elections

[11] Minister denies questioning Moslem candidate's 'Greekness'

[12] Antonaros on Turkish PM's statements

[13] Evert says Vodafone staff should testify in Parliamentary probe

[14] Court says Dassault must turn over documentation to plaintiffs

[15] Culture minister replies to question on Olympic Games property

[16] 6th Serbia-Montenegro summit in Belgrade this week

[17] New missile boat joins fleet

[18] EFG Eurobank acquires 70 pct in Turkish bank Tekfenbank

[19] Greece, Bulgaria poised to drive growth in Balkans

[20] Greece partner-country in Bulgarian fair

[21] Conference on Greece-Latin America business cooperation

[22] Int'l Leisure Boat Festival opens on Poros

[23] EasyCruise to build four cruise vessels in Greece

[24] Hellas Sat signs deal with Ukrainian UKR-Kosmos

[25] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

[26] Battle of Crete anniversary this month

[27] President Papoulias at Ioannina for End of WWII anniversary

[28] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos visits Pergamos

[29] President Papoulias, PM attend presentation of book on 1940-1945 National Resistance

[30] Women's organization proposes new action against violence

[31] Illegal immigrants arrested in northwest Greece

[32] Film on life of painter El Greco planned

[33] LSE professor pessimistic on EU's future

[34] Police cameras to remain in Attica, Council of State decides

[35] Int'l festival to honor pupils

[36] Five suspects charged with illegal excavations

[37] President Papoulias meets Greek Olympic finalists

[38] President says Turkey hostile by blocking Cyprus in international organizations

[39] Britain not granting export license to Cypriot weaponry based on UK policy

[40] Apostolic Nuncio presents credentials to President Papadopoulos

[01] Greek fiscal deficit to fall at 3.0 pct of GDP, Commission report

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In its spring economic forecasts report for the period 2006-2007, released in Brussels, the Commission said the country's public debt will reach 105 pct of GDP this year before falling to 102.1 pct in 2007. Greece's public debt was 81.5 pct in 1981-2001, 110.7 pct in 2002, 107.8 pct in 2003 and 108.5 pct in 2004. The EU's executive also forecast that Greek inflation would be stable at 3.3 pct in 2006 and 2007, while unemployment would fall gradually to 9.5 pct this year and to 9.1 pct in 2007.

It is the first time since 2004 that the Commission forecasts a fiscal deficit within the limits set by the Maastricht Treaty. The Commission's forecast on Greek economic growth is higher from its fall economic report and the fourth highest in the Eurozone.

The report said the country's fiscal deficit totaled 4.5 pct of GDP in 2005, up 0.75 pct from its fall predictions which included a provision for proceeds from securitization totaling 0.8 pct of GDP that never materialized.

The Commission said government measures to expand the tax base and to combat tax evasion would have resulted in an increase of budget revenues by 0.25 pct of GDP this year, while stressing that its forecast for a fiscal deficit of 3.0 pct of GDP in 2006 included only half of temporary measures included in the country's budget. The report said public spending will fall by 0.75 pct of GDP and said the Greek structural deficit will drop by 1.0 percent of GDP this year.

The Commission said it expected the fiscal deficit to rise to 3.6 pct of GDP in 2007 and said "structural measures will be needed to maintain a fiscal deficit below 3.0 pct".

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said next week that the Commission would review its forecasts right after it was briefed over a draft budget plan for 2007.

The Commission said economic growth rates slowed slightly in 2005 to 3.6 pct, after a two-year period of strong growth, and acknowledged that despite a fiscal adjustment program implemented by the government, economic growth was slightly better compared with the Commission's initial forecasts. The report said net exports contributed to economic growth, while private consumption fell and public consumption grew more than 3.0 percent in 2005.

Greek exports grew 8.0 percent last year, contributing 1.0 percent to economic growth, the Commission said.

The EU's executive said it expected Greek economic growth at 3.5 pct this year and 3.4 pct in 2007 and noted that rising oil prices would slowdown private consumption. The Commission also forecast high growth rates in net household borrowing, mostly mortgage, while public consumption to remain unchanged and private investments to rise in the two-year period.

The Commission said that strong growth rates would raise employment by 1.0 percent annually in the 2006-07 period, while wages would also rise. The report, however, said that unchanged productivity would not lead to a significant reduction of labor cost per unit, which would continue growing above the EU average. The Commission said the inflation rate would remain above 3.25 pct in 2006 and 2007.

"The Greek government will fully adhere to its stability and growth program", Alogoskoufis said, while he emphasized that efforts must now focus on achieving this year's goals. The Greek minister said a reduction of tax factors for private taxpayers would begin in 2007 and noted that a huge progress has been made in the economy in the last few years, while he reiterated that a mild fiscal adjustment policy would be continued.

Fiscal adjustment will focus more on reducing public overspending and combating tax evasion, Alogoskoufis said. He noted that the government's goal was to bring its fiscal deficit to 2.6 pct this year.

Commenting on forecasts included in a Commission's report, Alogoskoufis said the EU executive's forecasts were more conservative both on economic growth and fiscal deficits. He noted that the Commission predicted a fiscal deficit of 3.8 pct of GDP this year, in its November 2005 forecasts, and a 3.0 pct deficit in its spring report. "The government is steadfast at its goal of reducing the deficit to 2.6 pct of GDP," he said.

"We will not allow a deficit above 3.0 pct in the coming years. Our effort must be sustainable but it could take years for Greece to present a fully balanced budget," Alogoskoufis said.

The Greek minister said the government was taking measures to reduce unemployment, but noted that special measures were designed for certain regions of the country with very high unemployment rates, such as early retirement.

Alogoskoufis sounded confident that rising oil prices would not escalate into an oil crisis. He also urged all interested parties to show a sense of responsibility in a dialogue over the country's pension system.

Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said both political parties and trade unions must begin a serious discussion on the issue and leave aside petty-politics. He welcomed a series of proposals made by PASOK main opposition party, saying they were contributing in a dialogue.

A reform of the country's pension system must include a re-examination of an early retirement plan, hiring, combating contribution evasion, a more efficient management of funds' real estate assets and improving funds' functions, a report by the Bank of Greece said recently.

The central bank's report said that ensuring the viability of the pension system was also based on improving both the country's fiscal situation and the labor market's operation. It also noted that the size of adjustment needed in Greece was larger compared with other EU member-states which have already agreed on reducing public debt, boosting employment and reforming the pension system.

Almunia asks Greece for more structural measures: A reduction of Greece's fiscal deficit below 3.0 percent of GDP is feasible if Athens responds to a recommendation by ECOFIN to take all necessary measures to bring the fiscal deficit below 3.0 percent this year, EU Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters on Monday after the Commission released its spring economic forecast report, Almunia stressed, however, that for a country to be placed outside an excessive deficit procedure it must prove that a reduction of its fiscal deficit will be permanent and stable. The Spanish Commissioner said the EU's executive was awaiting the presentation of measures to be taken by Greece in order to ensure a permanent reduction of its deficit. The Greek government has said it would inform the European Commission over such measures in fall with its draft budget for 2007.

Almunia noted that a reduction in the fiscal deficit for 2007 must be based on structural measures and not one-off measures.

Main opposition sees "fiscal alchemy": The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement on Monday charged Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis with "fiscal alchemy."

"Under the weight of his policy, which has hurt the economy and burdened the public, Mr Alogoskoufis has resorted to fiscal alchemy, indifferent to the repercussions on the country's future," the party's economics spokeswoman, Vasso Papandreou, said in a statement.

"The actual message from the budget is not encouraging. The rate of increase in revenue on a monthly basis has dropped to 3.3% in March and 1.0% in April versus the same months of 2005, despite a rise in the first two months due to circumstances," Papandreou noted.

She was responding to statements by Alogoskoufis earlier in the day.

Gov't replies to criticism of economy: The finance ministry on Monday rejected criticism by the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) of its handling of the economy.

In a statement, the ministry accused the party of misleading the public with alarmist statements, also recalling PASOK's problems with the budget when in power.

Opposition party sees new economic measures ahead: The opposition Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology on Monday forecast that the government would have to introduce new economic measures in coming years to keep the fiscal deficit below the European Union's ceiling of 3% of gross domestic product.

The measures would mean extension of austerity policies that had hurt the public in terms of wages and pensions, the Coalition's economic and social affairs spokesman, Panayiotis Lafazanis, said in a statement after release of the EU's spring forecasts.

[02] Top Iranian nuclear negotiator Larijani in Athens on Tuesday

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The meeting will come in the wake of an utterly surprise development on Monday, as Tehran announced that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had conveyed a letter to US President George Bush proposing "new solutions for getting out of international problems and the current fragile situation of the world."

Larijani, who is also the secretary of Iran's powerful Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), was in Ankara, Turkey on Monday as part of efforts to rally support for Tehran's controversial nuclear program ahead of possible UN Security Council action, according to wire services.

[03] Valinakis at UN Security Council meeting on Darfur peace deal

9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

[04] Greece paves the way for region's countries towards EU, PM says

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"Twenty-five years since it joined the European family, Greece possesses the experience, plays a part and has a say in European developments. We are actively participating in European integration processes. We are developing initiatives and playing a leading role in developments focusing on our region," Karamanlis said.

"The recent enlargement achieved a historic reunion of our Continent and definitely strengthened Europe. Today, the European Union represents roughly 450 million citizens and a unique mosaic of peoples, which constitutes its strength. This strength gives Europe a greater voice on the international stage," he continued.

Looking forward, the objective is "to focus our efforts in bringing Europe closer to citizens; to address the concerns and problems of European citizens effectively; to work together with citizens in building a Europe they envision; to restore Europeans' trust in Europe," he concluded.

Europe Day marks the anniversary of May 9, 1950, when the first move was made towards creating what is now known as the European Union, when French politician Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organized, prosperous and peaceful Europe.

[05] Europe Regions Institute organizing 'Cafe d' Europe'

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The "Cafe d' Europe" will be an open forum for discussion and an exchange of views by young people all over Europe.

Twenty-seven cafes in an equal number of European capitals will host on May 9 a total of 27 writers who will write literary stories for Europe and ordinary European citizens.

In Greece, the "Cafe d' Europe" will take place at the "Ianos" cafe (24 Stadiou Street) where writer Sotiris Dimitriou will speak about his participation in the book "Stories of Europe" which will present the cultural multiformity of Europe from Dublin to Athens and from Lisbon to Riga.

[06] UN sustainable development committee to convene in New York

BRUSSELS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The session will focus on progress achieved on issues concerning sustainable energy, the change in climate, atmospheric pollution and industrial development.

According to an announcement issued by the European Commission on Monday, Dimas will support energy policies which improve the access of poorer populations to energy services while, at the same time, maximizing on a worldwide scale energy performance and the use of renewable energy sources, leading to better environmental protection.

Dimas will also announce the beginning of the EU's facilitating financing in the energy sector through which 220 million euros will be provided for projects improving access to energy, particularly in renewable energy sources, primarily in Subsahara Africa.

Referring to the session, Dimas said "the process of the CSD offers us the unique opportunity to place the world in a sustainable energy orbit. We need an integrated approach with the purpose of improving energy performance, the promotion of technological innovation, the expansion of markets for renewable energy sources and the promotion of cleaner mineral fuel in transport."

[07] PM confers with interior minister on Constitutional revision

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The prime minister met Monday with Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, and conferred on the issue for two hours.

Pavlopoulos commented after the meeting that the ongoing discussions aimed at finalizing the Constitutional revision proposal soon to be tabled in Parliament. He added that more details will be given by the prime minister at the New Democracy Parliamentary group meeting.

[08] Ruling party MPs to discuss revision of Constitution on Thursday

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

On Monday evening at 19:30, the prime minister will attend the launch of a new book by Manolis Glezos entitled "National Resistance 1940-45" at the Evgenides Institute, while at 10:00 on Tuesday he will have a meeting with Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis.

Immediately afterward, Karamanlis will chair a meeting of the cabinet to discuss issues concerning the defense ministry.

[09] Gov't on PASOK's Moslem candidate in local elections

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"The citizens are those who judge, compare and finally choose," Antonaros stressed in response to questions regarding reactions in ruling New Democracy to PASOK's decision to place a Moslem woman, Gulbeyaz Karahasan, at the head of its election ticket for the Drama-Xanthi-Kavala supraprefecture.

Karahasan, a lawyer by profession, is a member of the Moslem minority in northern Greece and alternate secretary of the PASOK municipal organization of Miki in Xanthi, northeast Greece.

The spokesman, in response to questions on the statements made by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis regarding PASOK's candidate, also underlined that all Greek citizens have the right to vote and run for office, adding that this is beyond dispute and only one in bad faith could question this statement.

In a later statement on Monday, Kalantzis strenuously denied that he had in any way questioned whether Karahasan was Greek.

Regarding PASOK leader George Papandreou's statements "on extreme right views" in the governing party, the alternate government spokesman stated that the democratic character of New Democracy and the government do not need Papandreou's or PASOK's confirmation. He said that ND was the party that re-established democracy in Greece after the 7-year dictatorship and the party that led Greece to the European Union adding that ND is proud of its past, present and of course, its democratic future.

[10] PASOK on its Moslem candidate in local elections

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

He accused the government of "speaking out of both sides of its mouth, saying one thing publicly, while New Democracy officials, such as Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis", according to Athanassakis, "is demanding proof of citizenship regarding Karahasan's status".

In an earlier statement on Monday, Kalantzis strenuously denied that he had in any way questioned whether Karahasan was Greek.

[11] Minister denies questioning Moslem candidate's 'Greekness'

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"I have never disputed the Greekness of Mrs. Karahasan," the minister stressed in response to questions, pointing to the candidate's own statements that she was a "Greek Moslem". At the same time, he predicted that the ticket backed by PASOK would lose the elections.

[12] Antonaros on Turkish PM's statements

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Antonaros reiterated that Greece, as a democratic and European country, respects all its international obligations adding that Turkey should see that all its obligations to the EU will be met and observed because it will be judged based on this and not on anything else.

During a visit to Greece, Erdogan said that he had complained about Greece' failure to renovate two old mosques in Athens and 'to respect the religious leaders elected by the minority'.

[13] Evert says Vodafone staff should testify in Parliamentary probe

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In the letter, Evert asked that three heads of Vodafone technical services departments be called to testify before the committee immediately after it hears the testimony of the current head of the Greek intelligence service EYP, Ioannis Korantis, and his predecessor Pavlos Apostolidis.

The three men named by Evert were Nikos Mastorakis, the head of Vodafone's technological department, Nikos Plevris, head of the technician's department and Nikos Babalis, head of the confidentiality department.

[14] Court says Dassault must turn over documentation to plaintiffs

9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Seven passengers, including then deputy foreign minister Yannos Kranidiotis and his son, died when the "Falcon" model jet abruptly plunged several thousand feet while approaching Bucharest, Romania. The plane's pilots finally managed to get the aircraft under control before landing in Bucharest.

Victims' relatives are seeking some 80 million euros from the plane's manufacturer in claiming construction deficiencies.

The specific aircraft had been used repeatedly by then prime minister Costas Simitis up until the accident.

[15] Culture minister replies to question on Olympic Games property

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"In this way we are giving a permanent and final solution to the infrastructure problem of an important educational foundation and, at the same time, we are contributing considerably to the economic and social development of one of the most neglected regions in the Attica basin," he said.

[16] 6th Serbia-Montenegro summit in Belgrade this week

9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The summit is once again held under the auspices of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Foreign Investors' Council.

Among others, the president of the Republic of Serbia, Boris Tadic; Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and Montenegro Prime Minister Branimir Gvozdenovic will address delegates.

Grand sponsors include the National Bank of Greece and Eurobank EFG.

[17] New missile boat joins fleet

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The deputy minister was accompanied by Navy General Staff chief Vice Admiral Dimitris Gousis. The missile boat is the third vessel of the Super Vita type to be delivered to the Greek Navy.

Addressing the event, Mihaloliakos said that the government's commitments "are being observed steadfastly". Commenting on international developments and the issue of Iran in particular, the deputy minister reminded that the government "is working for peace and the resolving of tensions through the diplomatic channel".

The missile boat took the name of Vyronas Krystallidis, captain of the escort ship Plias which sank near the port of Patras on April 21, 1941, following a German raid.

[18] EFG Eurobank acquires 70 pct in Turkish bank Tekfenbank

9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Eurobank signed a deal with Tekfen Holding (Tekfen Group) for the purchase of 70 percent in Tekfenbank, including 100 percent in Tekfen Leasing.

Under the deal, which values the Turkish bank at 260 million US dollars, Tekfen Group will remain a strategic investor in Tekfenbank. Tekfenbank will buy EFG Istanbul Securities, EFG Eurobank's subsidiary in Turkey. The deal is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2006.

Tekfenbank offers a wide range of banking products and services in Turkey through an effective branch network covering the most wealthy regions of the country, while its customer base was mainly from small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Tekfenbank's strategy will focus on strengthening its presence in the SMEs sector, by attracting new customers through its branch network totaling 30 units, creating new branches and boosting cross-selling of products. Tekfenbank also seeks to gain access to the mortgage market and portfolio management and to strengthen its activities in the country's capital markets.

Tekfen Group, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is one of the most distinguished, private business groups in Turkey with activities ranging from construction, to agricultural products (fertilizers), real estate development and financial services. Tekfen Group reported an annual turnover of 936 million US dollars in 2005.

EFG Eurobank expects that Turkey's economy would grow rapidly in the coming years, along with its banking system. The Greek bank believes that Tekfenbank offered a very strong base for its entry in the Turkish market since the bank operated under modern infrastructure, and has a very good quality of loan portfolio.

[19] Greece, Bulgaria poised to drive growth in Balkans

SOFIA, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"Relations between the two peoples go above and beyond governments, which is why all governments serve the same purpose," he said.

Stylianidis also noted the great progress achieved in infrastructure in the region, adding that a number of Greek companies have expressed an interest in participating in the construction of the road network linking Thessaloniki in northern Greece with the Bulgarian capital.

"As you can see, the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair is urging Greek companies to participate in the Plovdiv exhibit, with the participation of 60 companies. The Greek and Bulgarian governments are cooperating in all sectors, with particular emphasis in the energy sector, having given a significant push to the Burgas-Alexandropoulis pipeline project," he said.

He also noted that Greece is Bulgaria's second-largest foreign investor.

"All these things show that both countries are headed in the right direction. And of course, Greece is determined to support, in every way it can, Bulgaria's EU accession so that it [Bulgaria] can become a full-fledged member of the European family on January 1, 2007," he said.

[20] Greece partner-country in Bulgarian fair

PLOVDIV, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"Our presence here signals a further strengthening in bilateral economic cooperation, and shows in practice that our two countries, Greece and Bulgaria, stand as an example in the Balkans and the wider region," Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis told the event.

Taking part are 60 Greek companies under the aegis of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, and chambers of commerce and trade groups from northern Greece.

[21] Conference on Greece-Latin America business cooperation

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Antonopoulos mentioned that a business delegation under Stylianidis will visit Brazil and possibly Argentina. He said that the Greek export and partnership effort first targeted the Balkans followed by the Arab world, India and China adding that now the time has come to target the 400-million-people market in Latin America, a region in search of cooperation routes with the European continent. Antonopoulos pointed out that Greece can become the bridge between the EU and Latin America, mentioning that decisions like the abolition of double taxation between Greece and Mexico should be adopted with other Latin American countries as well.

Athens' Commerce and Industry Chamber chairman Drakoulis Fountoukakos stressed within the framework of his meeting with the Latin American ambassadors on Monday that the Greek economy has a high growth rate for the past 10 years while a number of positive reforms have been promoted recently aimed at further improving growth and attracting more foreign investments.

Fountoukakos also added that the strategy followed by Greece gives a special emphasis on boosting the competitiveness of the economy, the extroversion of businesses, the attraction of direct foreign investments, the use of new technology, the support of research, the creation of new innovative products and the effort to make Greece an academic, cultural and education center.

Argentina's ambassador to Athens Raul Alberto Ricardes addressing the event stressed that the effort for democratization and stabilization is effective in the majority of the Latin American countries creating the conditions necessary for economic growth.

[22] Int'l Leisure Boat Festival opens on Poros

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Petralia underlined that her ministry believed in and invested in seaborne tourism, and described the upgrading of related services as a key to the growth of the sector.

The minister announced a "targeted" advertisement campaign, which she said was one of the immediate steps being taken by the government aimed at the development of seaborne tourism.

Poros mayor Spyros Spyridon said that Greece's tourism performance fell short of the country's potential, and spoke of "factors" obstructing the full development of the prospects of the Greek tourism product.

This year's festival is taking place May 7 to 11, organized by the Municipality of Portos, the Greek Society of Yacht Brokers and Experts, and the Union of Owners of Professional Pleasure Boats.

[23] EasyCruise to build four cruise vessels in Greece

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

EasyCruise said the cruise ships, with a capacity of 500 passengers each, would be used for sea cruises in the Greek islands.

Stelios Hadjioannou, chairman of easyCruise, and I. Tavoularis, chief executive in Neorion Holdings, met with Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and presented their plan. Alogoskoufis reassured them over the government's support for the project.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, the Greek minister said the project underlined that economic environment in Greece was attractive for large investment plans. "The specific investment will strengthen tourism and the country's shipyards industry with additional positive impact on the Greek economy," he said.

Under the plan, easyCruise's vessels will operate weekend and four-day sea cruises from the Faliro marina to Mykonos and Syros and Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Milos or Serifos, respectively.

[24] Hellas Sat signs deal with Ukrainian UKR-Kosmos

9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

According to a relevant announcement, the position of Hellas Sat will be strengthened considerably in the television market of eastern Europe as a strong and reliable provider of satellite services in the region, as a result of the agreement, since UKR-Kosmos will broadcast its signal to small antennas by using the strong signal of the Greek telecommunications satellite.

[25] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

ATHENS, 9/5/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.48% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 2.20% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 2.84% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 233 to 53 with 30 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: